David Ospina’s long-term elbow problem threatens to end his career at 37

David Ospina’s continuing elbow injury has put his future in football at risk, with the former Arsenal goalkeeper facing further medical assessment before his move to Mexican club Atlante can be confirmed.

The Colombia international, who is 37, is still being affected by an injury he suffered while playing for Al Nassr in 2023. According to Colombian programme Pereira En Vivo, Ospina has delayed his preparations for the new season while travelling for additional medical examinations.

The results will determine whether he can continue with Atlante or requires further treatment before he is able to return to competitive football.

Atlante manager Miguel Herrera is understood to have confirmed that Ospina will be examined by specialists at the club. Those assessments will focus on the problem with his right elbow, which continues to affect the goalkeeper and could determine what happens next in his career.

Ospina missed almost the entirety of the 2023 season with Al Nassr after undergoing surgery on the elbow injury. He was absent from January until November that year, having sustained significant damage to the joint.

The latest setback comes shortly after Ospina agreed to join Atlante during the current summer transfer window. He made the move as a free agent after his contract with Colombian club Atletico Nacional ended.

However, his physical condition means his involvement with the Mexican side remains uncertain. The medical examinations are expected to establish whether he can complete the move and resume training, or whether another period of treatment will be necessary.

Ospina began his European career with Nice before joining Arsenal, where he played between 2014 and 2018. He subsequently represented Napoli until 2022, before moving to Al Nassr.

His time in Saudi Arabia was heavily disrupted by injuries. Ospina made only 29 appearances for Al Nassr across two full seasons, conceding 21 goals and recording 14 clean sheets.

The goalkeeper’s latest difficulties have therefore renewed questions over whether he will be able to continue playing at the highest level. At 37, and with the right-elbow problem still affecting him several years after the original injury, his next medical evaluation could prove decisive for his future.